Saints free safety Usama Young Q&A

this is a discussion within the Saints Community Forum; Usama Young started a game while Sharper was hurt last year, stopped to talk after a brutally hot practice this weekend:
How are you handling this heat?
ďItís real hot. I donít know the exact temperature, but itís hot and ...

Usama Young started a game while Sharper was hurt last year, stopped to talk after a brutally hot practice this weekend:
How are you handling this heat?

ďItís real hot. I donít know the exact temperature, but itís hot and then you look up and thereís no clouds in the sky, so you have no cloud cover, no overcast. We had a couple of breezes come through, but the breezes started to go.Ē

How big of an opportunity is training camp for you with Darren Sharper not able to practice right now?

ďItís a big opportunity. I kind of compare it to last year, though, just knowing that you have a chance to compete for the starting role. For the most part Iím just trying to stay healthy and learn every day. Thatís been my downfall throughout the years is getting a little banged up early on and having some rough moments in camp. Just staying healthy, thatís my main goal. Last year I ended up separating my shoulder in the preseason. Iím not just trying to survive, though. Iím going all out because usually when you do get hurt, itís because you are chilling a little bit.Ē

With all the plays Sharper made last year, is this a defense that sets up for the free safety to get interceptions.

ďDarrenís a playmaker. Iíve seen him make plays in various defenses. I wonít just say itís this defense. (Defensive coordinator) Gregg (Williams) throws a lot at the offense and he allows that safety to roam a little bit. Thatís Sharperís specialty, is to be able to roam in that back end and just ball-hawk.Ē
What is your best strength?

ďMy speed is my best strength. I try to run to the ball and make some plays. Iím going jumping and make some plays. When I do see the ball in the air, if I canít get to it Iím going to eliminate the wide receiver. Just being able to run and make plays is my strength.Ē

How much more comfortable are you at free safety this year, and how do you feel about having extra competition with Malcolm Jenkins being moved to your spot?

ďI feel a lot more comfortable, just knowing what is being thrown at me. This is only my second year playing safety, so I know I have a lot to learn. But going into this year it just feels like I know a lot more, so the learning curve is a lot smaller. That competition is going to be great. Itís starting out good right now. Once Darren gets back, itís going to go full speed ahead. Me and Malcolm are both learning together at the same time getting with Darren and trying to get whatever hints he has to offer. This competition is going to bring out the best in us as players.Ē

Sharper and Jenkins aren't going to start...that would knock Roman Harper to the bench and I don't see that happening. My belief is that Harper and Sharper are going to start at safety, but sometime during the season we're going to begin seeing more and more of Jenkins out there. Eventually, he's going to take over for Sharper in my belief.

Sharper and Jenkins aren't going to start...that would knock Roman Harper to the bench and I don't see that happening. My belief is that Harper and Sharper are going to start at safety, but sometime during the season we're going to begin seeing more and more of Jenkins out there. Eventually, he's going to take over for Sharper in my belief.

I meant Sharper to start and Jenkins to back him up...that would leave U.Y..out

Gregg Williams stated something to the effect of..darrens working towards working himself back from his injury while seeing Malcolm doing well!he see's it and I see it coach williams said!hurry up D.Sharper;future threat is a givin'.Usama.. I agree strato